Director, Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning

Job Summary

The Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive alumni relations strategy that strengthens relationships with former Tampa Bay Lightning players while advancing the business, brand and community objectives of Vinik Sports Group (VSG), the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Lightning Foundation. The Director is also responsible for leading the planning, coordination, marketing, and communication efforts for the Jr. Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program, overseeing all aspects of program implementation, including interaction with our Alumni. This position plays a key role in bridging the legacy-to-future hockey ecosystem while maintaining operational excellence and providing an exceptional experience for players, families, coaching staff, and Alumni, ensuring that the organization's history (alumni) and future (AAA hockey) are connected through a single strategic vision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Alumni Relations

Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for the Alumni Relations department, developing and executing a multi-year strategy aligned with VSG's organizational objectives and focused on sustainable program growth and alumni engagement.

Develop, implement, and oversee alumni programs and initiatives that strengthen relationships with former players, enhance organizational value, and support long-term engagement

Activate portfolio of events that align with Alumni Relations goals, including Fantasy Camp, Hall of Fame recognition, Alumni Golf Tournament, and Alumni Game, including event execution and budget management

Coordinate alumni participation in marquee organizational and NHL events, including Opening Night, Stanley Cup Playoffs, milestone celebrations, and other high-profile initiatives that drive fan engagement, celebrate organizational history, and strengthen the Lightning brand

Collaborate with the Marketing, Digital, Game Presentation Communications team to develop a multifaceted alumni communications plan to increase alumni engagement within VSG and throughout the community.

Oversee the coordination and execution of alumni appearances, including talent identification,

scheduling, contractual obligations, stakeholder alignment, and on-site engagement, ensuring a consistent, professional experience that delivers value to alumni and organizational partners

Drive the strategic integration of alumni across all business units of Vinik Sports Group, including Membership Sales and Service and Corporate Partnerships, to support business growth, develop revenue-generating assets, expand engagement platforms, and deliver meaningful experiences for fans, partners, and the community

Collaborate with the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) and NHL Alumni Association on player wellness and post-retirement initiatives.

Collaborate with the Hockey Hall of Fame and other institutions for storytelling and archival projects.

Assist Alumni with building their personal brands and creating visibility in the region.

Establish processes to ensure a smooth transition into the program when a former Lightning player retires.

Manage funds by planning, developing and managing departmental budget.

Create reports and analysis tools to help ensure the program is responsive to the needs of alumni.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Jr Lightning

Ensure full compliance with USA Hockey rules, regulations, and bylaws, including registration, eligibility, and roster requirements. Including coach certification and Safesport related oversight.

Facilitate and oversee player, parent, and coaching contracts, including documentation and compliance tracking.

Serve as a primary administrative contact for players, parents, coaches, leagues, and SAHOF.

Assist with updates and content of website and digital communication platforms

Manage team equipment and apparel ordering, inventory management, and distribution

Coordination of team managers in blocking hotels and other travel related issues for league play, showcases, and tournaments

Manage tournament registrations, league entries, and required documentation

Coordinate coach schedules, ice times, practices, seasonal calendars, and additional ice scheduling.

Assist with budget planning, financial tracking, and payment management

Process registrations, payments, invoicing, and expense tracking

Support day-to-day hockey operations to maintain a professional Tier I AAA standard

Supporting organizational coaches and helping carry forward the Lighting Tier 1 Board’s vision for the program.

Work with internal VSG partnership and fundraising team to generate funds for programming.

Communicate with Director, Alumni Relations to ensure Lightning Alumni are properly represented and engaged throughout the program.

Manage the development and execution of all training sessions and development camps.

Assist with other responsibilities to support Tier 1 programming

Game/Event Responsibilities

Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes

Approximate number of games/events worked per year: 20+

Qualifications

At least 7-10 years relevant experience in a non-profit or related alumni relations field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience in sports and entertainment industry or other related industry preferred

Experience managing and leading team members

Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with athletes and coworkers

Ability to build credibility and establish trust among players and management

Experience putting on successful, large-scale events

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to handle multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelines

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)

Results oriented with strong interpersonal and customer service skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use of discretion

Ability to work collaboratively with others

Working Conditions

Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting

Ability to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed

Ability to lift/carry/move up to 10lbs

Ability to work in cold/hot indoor and outdoor temperatures

Ability to commute to various venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area

Ability to travel within the US and Canada for up to one-week at a time, multiple times per year

Ability to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or people

Ability to move comfortably throughout the arena

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.